A fuel cell-powered hybrid bus operated by the Toyota Motor Corp. will serve the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, that opens on March 25. The bus was unveiled to the press at Nagakute Town, Aichi, on 31 January 2005, and will run between two of the exhibition's sites.

The bus was jointly developed by Toyota and Hino Motors Ltd., and employs a hybrid system that uses high-pressure hydrogen fuel and a rechargeable nickel-hydrogen battery to power its motor.

The bus accommodates 65 people and will run the 4.4 kilometers between the Nagakute and Seto sites in 10 minutes. Its exterior design with bold green lines expresses the spirit of forward-looking innovation and the environmental friendliness of the technology. The bus will refuel at a hydrogen gas station at the Seto site. The gas is stored in seven high-pressure storage tanks installed on the bus's roof.

Gasoline-powered cars emit carbon dioxide and other toxic substances, but a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) emits only water, as it runs on electricity generated by combining hydrogen and oxygen in the air. FCVs also produce less noise and vibration, and no energy is lost when they are idling. Eco-friendly and energy-efficient FCV technology has a lot of appeal, and FVCs are expected to become the next generation of automobiles.

http://www.expo2005.or.jp/en/technology/fchv.html

Posted: 2005/05/27 10:15:45 PM
Japanese version

TAG Energy , Manufacturing industry , Transportation